Zaharon

Zaharon
State Medal, 2005/5765
Fifth Medal in the "Ships of the Israel Navy" Series.

The "Ships of the Israel Navy" Five-Medal Set is dedicated to the soldiers of the Navy who have devoted their lives to ensuring the security of Israel's coastlines. The Medal Set has been issued in conjunction with and overseen by the Israel Navy Veterans Association.

The Israel Navy was established in 1948. Its very first fleet consisted of the clandestine immigrant ships and the first core of the Navy was formed in part from the Palyam (sea unit of the Palmach).
Over the years, the Israel Navy has taken part in many operations, including the War of Independence in 1948, when it gained control over the sea despite Egypt's recognized command in the area, the 1956 Sinai Campaign, Six Day War in 1967, War of Attrition (1969-70), Yom Kippur War in 1973, Peace for Galilee War in 1982 and it has aborted many terrorist penetration attempts from the sea, among them Karine A in 2002.

The quality of its soldiers, together with its sophisticated ships and naval equipment put the Israel Navy in good stead to face future tasks successfully and secure Israel's coastlines.
The Zaharon boat, a Fast Attack boat, is a small and fast craft used for commando raids. It is a descendant of the original crafts used by the naval commandos who sank the Egyptian Navy flagship, the King Farouk, in the War of Independence. Later craft, such as the Tzipor and the Snonit, were used in many daring undercover commando operations over a period of three decade. They are small enough to be carried by larger Navy vessels and lowered close to the enemy shoreline, and large enough to carry a significant number of commandos and equipment.

Obverse:
A Zaharon, Fast Attack Boat, and to its right, a schematic map of Israel, showing the main port cities: Haifa, Ashdod and Eilat. In the upper border "IDF Navy" in English and Hebrew, and in the lower border "Fast Attack Boat" in English and Hebrew.

Reverse:
An ancient ship symbolizing the glorious maritime history of the Land of Israel, that started in the time of our Patriarch Jacob. Before he died, Jacob blessed his son and the Tribe of Zebulun, "Zebulun shall dwell at the shore of the sea; and he shall be a haven for ships" (Genesis 49:13). There were also splendid ships in use in the time of King Solomon.
Beneath the ship, the Israel Navy Emblem and to the left, the Emblem of the Israel Navy Veterans Association.
In the lower border, the inscription "Shipmen who know the sea" (Kings I) in English and in the upper border, the same inscription in Hebrew.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number and metal.

Designer: Ruben Nutels

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan

Mint:
Bronze and Silver Medals: Bulgaria
Gold Medal: Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation Mint